Camera which records positional data of GPS unit

ABSTRACT

A camera which records positional data, which is obtained by a GPS unit during photographing, and image data on a memory card. The camera receives the positional data representing the photographing place from the GPS unit, and records the positional data and the image data on the memory card. While the GPS unit is measuring the position to obtain the positional data to be recorded, an image pickup circuit including a CCD sensor, etc. which converts image light into an image signal, a recording circuit for recording the image signal on the memory card, an LCD monitor which is used as a view finder, a strobe unit and a printer are halted.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/014,400,filed on Jan. 27, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,985, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference and for which priority isclaimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120; and this application claims priority ofApplication No. 9-12848, 9-12979, 9-12983 AND 9-55201 filed in Japan onJan. 27, Jan. 27, Jan. 27 and Mar. 10, 1997, respectively under 35U.S.C. § 119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a camera, and moreparticularly to a camera which records a picked-up image and positionaldata which is obtained by the global positioning system (GPS) duringphotographing.

2. Description of Related Art

The GPS is able to determine the three-dimensional position (latitude,longitude and altitude) of any point on the globe by receiving radiowaves from a number of moving satellites.

Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. 4-70724, 4-347977 and7-288725 disclose systems in which a GPS unit connects to a camera (oris built in a camera), and the camera records a picked-up image andpositional data obtained by the GPS unit on a recording medium.According to these systems, it is possible to know the photographingplace of the recorded image with reference to the recorded positionaldata, which was obtained by the GPS unit, when the recorded image isregenerated, and it is also possible to retrieve a desired recordedimage according to the photographing place.

Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 7-295025 discloses extendingthe life of a battery in the camera by controlling a power sourcecircuit in accordance with surroundings of the camera recognized by theGPS unit. Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 9-233421 disclosesa camera which is provided with a built-in printer.

The conventional camera provided with the GPS unit has the followingproblems. In an electronic camera, noise or harmful radiation isgenerated in an image pickup circuit, etc., particularly in a high-speedclock which drives a CCD sensor as an image pickup element. Then, if theGPS unit is connected to the electronic camera, the noise enters the GPSunit via a connection line, causes incorrect workings of the GPS unitand has a bad influence on the position measuring accuracy.

Moreover, the GPS unit cannot obtain positional data at a place where itis impossible to receive the radio waves from the satellites, that is,indoors, at the shade of a building, etc. If a user releases a shutterat such a place, it is impossible to obtain the correct positional datafrom the GPS unit, and thus, the incorrect data may be recorded.

Furthermore, there is no conventional camera which is provided with bothof the GPS unit and a printer. If a camera is provided with the GPS unitand the printer, the positional data can be obtained by the GPS unitwhile the printer is printing the image. In this case, however, there isa problem in that the noise and harmful radiation increase while theprinter is printing the image. The noise and harmful radiation disturbthe reception of the positional data from the satellites, causeincorrect workings of the GPS unit and have a bad influence on theposition measuring accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in view of the above-describedcircumstances, and has as its object the provision of a camera whichrecords a picked-up image and positional data which is obtained by a GPSunit wherein, the camera is able to prevent an image pickup circuit,etc. from having a bad influence on the position measuring accuracy andprevent the life of a power source battery from getting shorter bystopping supply of unnecessary electricity to the GPS unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera whichrecords, on a recording medium, the picked-up image and the positionaldata which is obtained by the GPS unit during photographing wherein, thecamera is able to record the correct positional data as well as thepicked-up image on the recording medium even if the photographing isperformed at a place such as the shade of a building where it isimpossible for the GPS unit to measure a position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera whichrecords, on the recording medium, the picked-up image and the positionaldata which is obtained by the GPS unit during photographing wherein, thecamera is able to warn the user that the GPS unit cannot correctlymeasure a position when the photographing is performed at a place suchas indoors where it is impossible for the GPS unit to measure aposition.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera whichrecords, on the recording medium, the picked-up image and the positionaldata which is obtained by the GPS during photographing and prints theimage wherein, the camera is able to prevent the incorrect workings ofthe GPS unit while the printer is printing the image.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a camera of the presentinvention comprises: an image pickup means for forming image lightrepresenting a subject on a light receiving surface of an image pickupelement, and for converting the image light into an image signal; ameasurement data receiving means for receiving measurement data obtainedby a GPS unit which connects to the camera or which is built in thecamera; a recording means for recording the measurement data received bythe measurement data receiving means and the image signal obtained bythe image pickup means on a recording medium; and a control means forstopping camera elements and circuits from generating noise thatinterferes with the GPS unit while the GPS unit is obtaining themeasurement data to be recorded.

According to the present invention, while the GPS unit is measuring theposition to obtain the positional data to be recorded as the one at thephotographing place, a camera element and circuit which generates thenoise interfering with the GPS unit to measure the position' such as theimage pickup means for obtaining the image signal, the recording meansfor recording the image signal and the positional data on the recordingmedium, a strobe unit, and an image display are halted. Thereby, it ispossible to avoid a bad influence on the position measuring accuracy ofthe GPS unit. While the GPS unit is measuring the position to obtain thepositional data to be recorded as the one at the photographing place, itis possible to save electricity of the power source battery by stoppingthe camera elements and circuits which will be the noise source.

The positional data is received from the GPS unit before and/or afterphotographing. The camera is provided with a mode switching means forswitching a photographing mode in which the image pickup means and therecording means are activated and a regeneration mode in which theregenerating means is activated, and a control means for stopping theGPS unit when the regeneration mode is selected by the mode switchingmeans. In other words, since the GPS unit is not used in theregeneration mode, the GPS unit is halted to save electricity of thepower source battery.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a camera of the presentinvention for optically or electrically recording an image representinga subject on a recording medium when a shutter is released, comprises: ameasurement data receiving means for receiving measurement data obtainedby a GPS unit which connects to the camera or which is built in thecamera, the measurement data receiving means receiving at least firstmeasurement data before the shutter is released, and second measurementdata in synchronism with manipulation of a shutter release switch; afirst deciding means for deciding whether the second measurement data,received by the measurement data receiving means, has an error or not;and a recording means for recording the second measurement data on therecording medium when the first deciding means decides that the secondmeasurement data does not have an error, and for recording the firstmeasurement data on the recording medium when the first deciding meansdecides that the second measurement data has an error.

According to the present invention, if the second positional data whichis received from the GPS unit during photographing and indicates thephotographing place has an error, the reserve positional data (the firstpositional data) received from the GPS unit before the photographing isrecorded on the recording medium as the positional data indicating thephotographing place. Thereby, it is possible to correctly record thephotographing place under a permissible level even if the photographingis performed at a place such as the shade of a building where it isimpossible for the GPS unit to measure the position. The camera may beeither of a silver halide camera which optically records an image onphotographic film and an electronic camera which records an electricsignal representing an image on a recording medium such as a PC card. Inthe case of the silver halide camera, a magnetic head records thepositional data on a magnetic recording layer coated on the photographicfilm. The camera may be provided with a second deciding means fordeciding whether the first measurement data received by the measurementdata receiving means has an error or not, and a warning means forwarning that the GPS unit cannot obtain measurement data when the seconddeciding means decides that the first measurement data has an error.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a camera of the presentinvention for optically or electrically recording an image representinga subject on a recording medium when a shutter is released, comprises: ameasurement data receiving means for receiving measurement data obtainedby a GPS unit which connects to the camera or which is built in thecamera; a deciding means for deciding whether the measurement data,received by the measurement data receiving means, has an error or not; arecording means for recording the measurement data on the recordingmedium when the deciding means decides that the measurement data doesnot have an error; and a warning means for warning that the GPS unitcannot obtain measurement data, when the deciding means decides that themeasurement data has an error.

According to the present invention, if the positional data has an error,a warning is given by means of light and/or sound to warn the user thatit is impossible for the GPS unit to measure the position of thephotographing place. Thus, the user can be advised to move to a placewhich is more suitable for measuring the position. The positional datais regarded as having an error when the sequential two pieces ofpositional data do not match or when the GPS unit transmits a signalindicating that the GPS unit cannot measure the position.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a camera of the presentinvention comprises: an image pickup means for forming image lightrepresenting a subject on a light receiving surface of an image pickupelement, and for converting the image light into an image signal; ameasurement data receiving means for receiving measurement data obtainedby a GPS unit which connects to the camera or which is built in thecamera; a battery for supplying each part of the camera withelectricity, the battery being built in the camera; a power inputterminal for connecting to an AC adapter to supply each part of thecamera with electricity through the power input terminal; a detectingmeans for detecting whether the electricity is supplied to the powerinput terminal or not; a recording means for recording the measurementdata received by the measurement data receiving means and the imagesignal obtained by the image pickup means on a recording medium, whenthe detecting means detects that the electricity is not supplied to thepower input terminal; and a signal output means for outputting a signalindicating that the GPS unit cannot obtain measurement data, when thedetecting means detects that the electricity is supplied to the powerinput terminal.

According to the present invention, if it is detected that the power issupplied from the AC adapter which is mainly used indoors, the signaloutput means outputs a signal indicating that the GPS unit cannotmeasure the position because the photographing is being performedindoors. For example, the signal warns the user that the positional datacannot be recorded on the recording medium, prohibits the GPS unit frommeasuring the position, and/or makes the recording means record thepreviously-received positional data.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a camera of the presentinvention for optically or electrically recording an image representinga subject on a recording medium when a shutter is released, the cameracomprises: a measurement data receiving means for receiving measurementdata obtained by a GPS unit which connects to the camera or which isbuilt in the camera; a color temperature sensor for measuring colortemperature; a deciding means for deciding whether the color temperaturemeasured by the color temperature sensor is generated indoors or not; arecording means for recording the measurement data on the recordingmedium, when the deciding means decides that the color temperaturemeasured by the color temperature sensor is not generated indoors; and asignal output means for outputting a signal indicating that the GPS unitcannot obtain measurement data, when the deciding means decides that thecolor temperature measured by the color temperature sensor is generatedindoors.

According to the present invention, if the color temperature sensordetects the color temperature which is generated indoors, that is, thecolor temperature of light of a tungsten lamp, a fluorescent lamp, etc.,the signal output means outputs a signal indicating that the GPS unitcannot measure the position because the photographing is being performedindoors.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, a camera of the presentinvention comprises: an image pickup means for forming image lightrepresenting a subject on a light receiving surface of an image pickupelement, and for converting the image light into an image signal; ameasurement data receiving means for receiving measurement data obtainedby a GPS unit which connects to the camera or which is built in thecamera; a recording means for recording the measurement data received bythe measurement data receiving means and the image signal obtained bythe image pickup means on a recording medium; a means for outputting oneof the image signal obtained by the image pickup means and the imagesignal read from the recording medium to a printer which connects to thecamera or which is built in the camera, to thereby make the printerprint an image represented by the one of the image signal; and a controlmeans for prohibiting the measurement data receiving means fromreceiving measurement data from the GPS unit, while the image is beingprinted on the printer.

According to the present invention, while the printer is printing theimage, the positional data is prohibited from being received from theGPS unit, and thus, the radio disturbance, etc. in the GPS unit wouldnot have any effects on printing.

While the printer is printing the image, the control means may prohibitthe photographing instructed by manipulation of the shutter switch. Inanother way, if the shutter switch is manipulated while the printer isprinting the image, the control means records the image signal obtainedby the image pickup means on the recording medium, and records, on therecording medium, the positional data received by the measurement datareceiving means before or after the printer starts printing. Moreover,if the shutter switch is manipulated while the printer is printing theimage, the control means may make the printer stop printing. Then, thecontrol means makes the printer resume printing after the measurementdata receiving means receives the positional data from the GPS unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantagesthereof, will be explained in the following with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the first embodiment of anelectronic camera according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the first embodiment of the controlprocedure of a main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the second embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the third embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the fourth embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the fifth embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the sixth embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the seventh embodiment of thecontrol procedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the eighth embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the ninth embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the second embodiment of anelectronic camera according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the first embodiment of the controlprocedure of a main CPU in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the second embodiment of thecontrol procedure of the main CPU in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating the details of a recording processin FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the third embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention will be described in further detail by way of examplewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the first embodiment of anelectronic camera according to the present invention. This electroniccamera includes an optical unit 10, a CCD unit 30, an image pickup unit40, a process unit 60, a camera unit 80, a display unit 90, a switch(SW) unit 110, a strobe unit 120, an output unit 130, and a GPS unit160.

The optical unit 10 has a taking lens 12 comprising a focus lens and avariable magnification lens, a diaphragm 14, and an optical low passfilter (LPF) 16. An image light of a subject is formed on a lightreceiving surface of a CCD sensor 32 of the CCD unit 30 through thetaking lens 12, the diaphragm 14 and the optical LPF 16. The zoom lensand the focus lens of the taking lens 12 are moved by a zoom motordriver 82 and a focus motor driver 84, which are controlled by a cameracontrol CPU 88 of the camera unit 80. Thereby, the zooming magnificationand the focus can be adjusted. The aperture of the diaphragm 14 isadjusted by an aperture motor driver 86, which is controlled by thecamera control CPU 88.

The camera control CPU 88 measures the distance to the subject with afocusing sensor 13 and measures the subject brightness with a photometrysensor 126 in response to a command signal which is transmitted from amain CPU 100 of the process unit 60 when a shutter release switch 112 ofthe SW unit 110 is half pressed. The camera control CPU 88 drives thezoom motor driver 82 and the focus motor driver 84 to adjust the zoomingmagnification and focus of the taking lens 12 in accordance with themeasured subject distance and photographing data such as the zoomingmagnification, which is input through a switch (not shown) of the SWunit 110. The camera control CPU 88 drives a strobe 124 and the aperturemotor driver 86 to adjust the aperture of the diaphragm 14 in accordancewith the measured subject brightness. The strobe 124 emits light when anelectric discharge condenser 122 of the strobe unit 120 dischargesaccumulated electric charges, if the subject is dark.

The optical unit 10 has a view finder 18 to find the subject. A liquidcrystal display (LCD) 20 is mounted in the view finder 18, and is drivenby an LCD driver 94 of the display unit 90, which is controlled by themain CPU 100. Thus, various kinds of information from the main CPU 100are displayed in the view finder 18.

The CCD unit 30 has the CCD sensor 32 for converting the image light,which is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD sensor 32through the taking lens 12 of the optical unit 10, into an electricsignal (an image signal). The CCD sensor 32 receives a horizontaltransfer clock signal and a vertical transfer clock signal from a clockgenerating circuit 46 of the image pickup unit 40 via a horizontal clockdriver 48 and a vertical clock driver 50, so that the electric chargesaccumulated on the light receiving surface can be discharged. When therelease switch 112 of the SW unit 110 is fully pressed, the CCD sensor32 starts accumulating the electric charges in response to the commandsignal from the main CPU 100. After a shutter time (an exposure time),which is found by the photometry, has passed, the CCD sensor 32 outputsthe accumulated electric charges to the image pickup unit 40.

The image pickup unit 40 has an analog image signal processing circuit42 and an A/D converter 44, and the analog image signal processingcircuit 42 receives the image signal which is output from the CCD sensor32 of the CCD unit 30. The analog image signal processing circuit 42white-balances and gamma-corrects the input image signal, and outputsthe image signal to the A/D converter 44. The A/D converter 44 convertsthe image signal, which is input from the analog image signal processingcircuit 42, from analog form to digital form. Then, the A/D converter 44outputs the digital image signal to a YC processing circuit 62 of theprocess unit 60.

The image pickup unit 40 has a DC/DC converter 52, which is turned onand off by the camera control CPU 88. The DC/DC converter 52 supplieselectricity to each circuit of the image pickup unit 40, the CCD sensor32, etc.

The process unit 60 is provided with the main CPU 100, which controlsthe entire apparatus, and a recording circuit for recording the imagesignal on a PC card 150. The YC processing circuit 62, which is a memberof the recording circuit, receives the digital image signal which isoutput from the A/D converter 44 of the image pickup unit 40. The YCprocessing circuit 62 converts the digital image signal to a luminancesignal Y and color differential signals B-Y and R-Y. The YC processingcircuit 62 receives a synchronous signal from the clock generatingcircuit 46 of the image pickup unit 40, and moves in synchronism withthe timing of discharging the accumulated electric charges in the CCDsensor 32.

A memory controller 64 temporally stores the luminance signal and thecolor differential signals, which are generated by the YC processingcircuit 62, in a frame memory (DRAM) 66. Then, the luminance signal andthe color differential signals are sequentially read from the framememory 66 into a compression/expansion circuit 68. Thecompression/expansion circuit 68 compresses the luminance signal and thecolor differential signals, and records them on a PC card 150 via a PCcard interface 70.

The process unit 60 has an encoder circuit 72, which receives theluminance signal and the color differential signals from the YCprocessing circuit 62 so as to output an image signal to an LCD monitor170 and other external equipment. The encoder circuit 72 converts theinput luminance signal and the color differential signals into a videosignal (e.g. an NTSC signal), and outputs the video signal to an outputunit 130. When the image signal recorded on the PC card 150 is output tothe external equipment, the compressed image signal is read from the PCcard 150 to the compression/expansion circuit 68 via the PC cardinterface 70. The compression/expansion circuit 68 expands thecompressed image signal, and the image signal is output to the encodercircuit 72 via the YC processing circuit 62. The encoder circuit 72connects to an on-screen control circuit 73, which is able to add theinformation from the main CPU 100 to an image signal of the encodercircuit 72.

The LCD monitor 170 receives the video signal, which is output from theencoder circuit 72 via the output unit 130, and displays an image on themonitor thereof. The LCD monitor 170 is supplied with electricity from abuilt-in battery 140 of an electronic camera body, which will bedescribed later, via an LCD monitor power switch 75, which is turned onand off by the main CPU 100.

The process unit 60 connects to the built-in battery 140 via a DC jack74. The built-in battery 140 connects to each circuit of each unit viathe DC jack 74, and it supplies each circuit with electricity. Theelectronic camera can also use a commercial power source instead of thebuilt-in battery 140. In this case, the commercial power source isconnected to the DC jack 74 via an AC adapter. The DC jack 74 is able toswitch the power source between the built-in battery 140 and the ACadapter. If the AC adapter is not connected, the built-in battery 140 isconnected as a power source to be used. If the AC adapter is connected,the power from the AC adapter is used.

The process unit 60 is provided with a camera power switch 78 whichturns on and off the power of the electronic camera, a ready LED 79which indicates that the camera is ready for photographing, and awarning LED 77 which can warn the user.

The display unit 90 has an LCD 92 which is attached on the surface ofthe electronic camera, and the LCD 92 is driven by an LCD driver 96,which is controlled by the main CPU 100. The display unit 90 shows avariety of information (the present exposure mode of the camera, theamount of unoccupied memory on the PC card 150, etc.) The display unit90 has a buzzer 98, which is controlled by the main CPU 100, and thebuzzer 98 makes a sound such as a warning.

The GPS unit 160 connects to the main CPU 100 via the output unit 130via a signal line. In GPS, a plurality of satellites orbit the earth andsend periodical sequential signals and orbital data thereof by radio.The GPS unit 160 receives the radio waves from four of the satellites atthe same time, and measures the distance. The GPS unit 160 solves fourequations which are set up according to the received data to therebyobtain positional data (latitude, longitude and altitude) of thereceiving position.

The GPS unit 160 transmits and receives a variety of signals from themain CPU 100 and starts measuring the position in accordance with acommand signal from the main CPU 100. The GPS unit 160 periodicallymeasures the position, and transmits the obtained data as positionaldata to the main CPU 100. The GPS satellite has an atomic clock, and theGPS unit 160 can obtain data about the present time as well as thepositional data at the same time. The GPS unit 160 can transmit dataabout the time and the position at the same time as the positional data.The data which is obtained and transmitted by the GPS unit 160 willhereinafter be referred to as measurement data, which may include thepositional data and the time data.

The GPS unit 160 is supplied with electricity from the built-in battery140 of the electronic camera body or the AC adapter, and the power ofthe GPS unit 160 is turned on and off by means of the GPS power switch76 of the process unit 60, which is controlled by the main CPU 100.Thereby, the built-in battery 140 can supply the GPS unit 160 withelectricity as the need arises.

As described later in further detail, when a picked-up image is recordedon the PC card 150, the main CPU 100 makes the GPS unit 160 measure theposition and receives the measurement data (positional data)representing such as the photographing position from the GPS unit 160.Then, the main CPU 100 records the measurement data as well as thepicked-up image on the PC card 150. Thereby, when the picked-up imagerecorded on the PC card 150 is regenerated, the information such as thephotographing position with reference to the measurement data isrecorded on the PC card 150.

If the clock generating circuit 46 of the image pickup unit 40 isactivated, the clock generating circuit 46 generates clock pulses ofhigh frequency. Thus, if the clock generating circuit 46 and the GPSunit 160 are activated at the same time, noise enters the GPS unit 160from the signal line, and the noise may cause an error in the GPS unit160.

Hence, when receiving the measurement data from the GPS unit 160, themain CPU 100 stops the DC/DC converter 52 of the image pickup unit 40 tothereby stop supplying the clock generating circuit 46 with electricity.Thereby, it is possible to prevent the error in the GPS unit 160, andprevent a bad influence on the position measuring accuracy. Moreover,when the measurement data is received from the GPS unit 160, the imagepickup of the CCD sensor 32 and recording of the image signal on the PCcard 150 are prohibited. For this reason, the supply of electricity tothe image pickup circuit which obtains the image signal and therecording circuit which records the image signal on the PC card 150 isstopped so as to prevent noise in these circuits and save theelectricity.

The image pickup circuit performs signal processing such as the digitalimage pickup processing and the YC processing with respect to the imagesignal picked up by the CCD sensor 32, and it includes the CCD unit 30,the circuits of the image pickup unit 40, the YC processing circuit 62of the process unit 60, the encoder circuit 72, the output unit 130,etc. The recording circuit performs recording, on the PC card 150, ofthe image signal which has been YC-processed by the YC processingcircuit 62, and it includes the memory controller 64 of the process unit60, the compression/expansion circuit 68, the PC card interface 70, etc.

If the GPS unit 160 measures the position at a place such as the shadeof a building where it is difficult to receive the radio waves from theGPS satellites, there is a possibility that the measurement data is nottransmitted from the GPS unit 160 since the measurement cannot beperformed, or the measurement data with a lot of errors is transmitted.For this reason, to take a picture (capture an image) at such a place,the measurement data can be received from the GPS unit 160 at a placeclose to the photographing position, where it is possible to measure theposition (a place where it is possible to satisfactorily receive theradio waves from the GPS satellites). This measurement data is regardedas the measurement data obtained at the photographing position, and themeasurement data as well as the picked-up image is recorded on the PCcard.

The main CPU 100 is able to measure the voltage of the DC jack 74, whichcan connect to the AC adapter as shown in FIG. 1, so as to decidewhether electricity is supplied or not from the AC adapter through theDC jack 74. If it is decided that the electricity is supplied from theAC adapter, the photographing is regarded as the indoor photographing.That is, if the electricity is supplied from the AC adapter, thephotographing is regarded as the indoor photographing.

If, for example, the electronic camera is placed at a position where theGPS unit 160 cannot receive the radio waves from the satellites, and ifa photographing is performed and the GPS unit 160 measures the positionthere, there is a possibility that the GPS unit 160 cannot transmit themeasurement data to the main CPU 100, or that GPS unit 160 transmits theincorrect measurement data. For this reason, the main CPU 100 regardsthe photographing as the indoor photographing if the AC adapter is used.In this case, the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, etc. give awarning to inform the user that the GPS unit 160 cannot measure theposition.

The processing of the main CPU 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the control procedure of themain CPU 100. In this embodiment, the image-capturing is allowed (whenthe release switch 112 is fully pressed) after the positional data ofthe GPS unit 160 is received.

When the camera power switch 78 is turned on, the main CPU 100 turns onthe GPS power switch 76 to supply the GPS unit 160 with electricity tomake the GPS unit 160 start acquiring the satellites (trying to receivethe radio waves from the satellites) (S10). In this case, the main CPU100 does not supply electricity to the image pickup circuit and therecording circuit, that is, the image pickup circuit and the recordingcircuit are turned off.

Then, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decide whetherthe release switch 112 is half pressed or not (S12). When the main CPU100 detects that the release switch 112 is half pressed, the main CPUdecides whether the GPS unit 160 has finished acquiring the satellitesin accordance with a signal transmitted from the GPS unit 160 (S14). Inthis case, if the acquisition of the satellites is incomplete, thebuzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, etc. (see FIG. 1) give awarning (S16) and the image-capturing is prohibited until theacquisition of the satellites is complete. Then, the process returns toS12, and the main CPU 100 monitors the half-pressed state of the releaseswitch 112.

On the other hand, if the GPS unit 160 has finished acquiring thesatellites when the main CPU 100 detects that the release switch 112 ishalf pressed, the main CPU 100 makes the GPS unit 160 measure theposition to receive the positional data from the GPS unit 160 (S18).Then, the main CPU 100 decides again whether the release switch 112 ishalf pressed or not (S20). If the release switch 112 is not halfpressed, the process returns to S18 so that the above-describedpositional data receiving process can be repeatedly executed.

If the half-pressed state of the release switch 112 is detected at S20after the positional data is received at S18, the photometry isperformed to obtain a photometry value (S22), and the focusing isperformed to obtain a focusing value (S24). Then, the lens of the takinglens 12 is driven to adjust the focus, etc. in accordance with theobtained focusing value (S26).

Thereafter, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decidewhether the release switch 112 is fully pressed or not (S28). If therelease switch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 supplies the imagepickup circuit and the recording circuit with electricity to activatethese circuits (S30). Then, an image signal of the picked-up image iscaptured with the CCD sensor 32 and is compressed as described above sothat the image signal can be recorded on the PC card 150 (S32).

After the picked-up image is recorded on the PC card 150, the main CPU100 stops supplying the image pickup circuit and the recording circuitwith electricity (S34), and stops supplying the GPS unit 160 withelectricity (S36) to complete the photographing.

To continue photographing, the process returns to S18 without stoppingthe supply of electricity to the GPS unit 160 at S36, and the subsequentsteps are repeatedly executed.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the second embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU 100. In this embodiment, the positional dataof the GPS unit 160 is received after the release switch 112 is halfpressed, and the image-capturing is allowed (when the release switch 112is fully pressed) after the positional data is received.

When the camera power switch 78 is turned on, the main CPU 100 turns onthe GPS power switch 76 to supply the GPS unit 160 with electricity tomake the GPS unit 160 start acquiring the satellites (S50). In thiscase, the main CPU 100 does not supply electricity to the image pickupcircuit and the recording circuit.

Then, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decide whetherthe release switch 112 is half pressed or not (S52). When the main CPU100 detects that the release switch 112 is half pressed, the photometryis performed to obtain a photometry value (S54), and the focusing isperformed to obtain a focusing value (S56). Then, the lens of the takinglens 12 is driven to adjust the focus, etc. in accordance with theobtained focusing value (S58).

Next, the main CPU 100 makes the GPS unit 160 measure the position toreceive the positional data from the GPS unit 160 (S60). Then, the mainCPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decide whether the releaseswitch 112 is fully pressed or not (S62). If the release switch 112 isnot fully pressed at S62, the process returns to S60 so that theabove-described positional data receiving process can be repeatedlyexecuted. If the release switch 112 is fully pressed at S62, the mainCPU 100 decides whether the positional data has been completely receivedor not (S64). If the positional data has not been completely received,the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, etc. give a warning (S66)and the image-capturing with the release switch 112 being fully pressedis prohibited until the positional data has been completely received.Then, the process from S60 to S64 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the positional data has been completely receivedat S64 when the release switch 112 is fully pressed at S62, the main CPU100 supplies the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit withelectricity to activate these circuits (S68). Then, an image signal ofthe picked-up image is captured with the CCD sensor 32 and is compressedas described above so that the image signal can be recorded on the PCcard 150 (S70).

After the image signal is recorded, the main CPU 100 stops supplying theimage pickup circuit and the recording circuit with electricity (S72),and stops supplying the GPS unit 160 with electricity (S74) to completethe photographing.

To continue photographing, the process returns to S52 without stoppingthe supply of electricity to the GPS unit 160 at S72, and the subsequentsteps are repeatedly executed.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the third embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU 100. In this embodiment, the positional dataof the GPS unit 160 is received after the release switch 112 is fullypressed to complete the image-capturing.

When the camera power switch 78 is turned on, the main CPU 100 monitorsthe release switch 112 to decide whether the release switch 112 is halfpressed or not (S80). In this case, the main CPU 100 does not supplyelectricity to the GPS unit 160, the image pickup circuit and therecording circuit.

If the release switch 112 is half pressed at S80, the main CPU 100executes the photometry to obtain a photometry value (S82), and executesthe focusing to obtain a focusing value (S84). Then, the lens of thetaking lens 12 is driven to adjust the focus, etc. in accordance withthe focusing value (S86).

Then, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decide whetherthe release switch 112 is fully pressed or not (S88). If the main CPU100 detects the fully-pressed state of the release switch 112, itsupplies the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit withelectricity to activate these circuits (S90). Then, an image signal ofthe picked-up image is captured with the CCD sensor 32 and is compressedas described above so that the image signal can be recorded on the PCcard 150 (S92).

After the image signal is recorded, the main CPU 100 stops supplying theimage pickup circuit and the recording circuit with electricity (S94).Then, the main CPU 100 turns on the GPS power switch 76 to supply theGPS unit 160 with electricity, which starts acquiring the satellites andstarts measuring the position (S96). The main CPU 100 decides whetherthe position has been measured or not (S98), and if the position hasbeen measured, the main CPU 100 receives the positional data from theGPS unit 160 (S100). After the positional data is completely received,the main CPU 100 stops supplying the GPS unit 160 with electricity(S102), and then supplies the recording circuit with electricity (S104).Then, the positional data received from the GPS unit 160 is written onthe PC card 150 in accordance with the image signal (S106). Afterwriting the positional data, the main CPU 100 stops supplying therecording circuit with electricity (S108) to complete the photographing.

To continue photographing, the process returns to S80 and the subsequentsteps are repeatedly executed.

In these embodiments, no electricity is supplied to the image pickupcircuit and the recording circuit to activate them while the positionaldata of the GPS unit 160 is received. If the circuits are inactivated ina different way, the supply of electricity does not have to be stopped.

A description will be given of the case where the LCD monitor 170connects to the electronic camera. The LCD monitor 170 connects to avideo signal output terminal of the output unit 130, and receives avideo signal, which is output from the encoder circuit 72, via theoutput unit 130, so that the image can be displayed on the monitor. Byoutputting the picked-up image recorded on the PC card 150 to the LCDmonitor 170, it is possible to show the picked-up image which isrecorded on the PC card, on the LCD monitor 170. By outputting imageswhich are sequentially picked up by the CCD sensor 32 (raw images) tothe LCD monitor 170, the LCD monitor 170 may be used as a finder. TheLCD monitor 170 is supplied with electricity from the built-in battery140 of the electronic camera body. The LCD monitor 170 is turned on andoff by means of the LCD monitor power switch 75, which is turned on andoff by the main CPU 100.

If the LCD monitor 170 connects to the electronic camera, and the imagesuch as the raw image is displayed on the LCD monitor 170 as statedabove, the LCD monitor 170 may also make noise to thereby have a badinfluence on the position measuring accuracy of the GPS unit 160. Forthis reason, when the GPS unit 160 measures the position, the electroniccamera stops the LCD monitor 170 so that the position measuring accuracycan be improved.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the fourth embodiment of theprocedure of the main CPU 100. When the camera power switch 78 is turnedon (S210), the main CPU 100 supplies the image pickup circuit withelectricity, and turns on the LCD monitor power switch 75 to supply theLCD monitor 170 with electricity (S212). The GPS power switch 76 isturned on to supply the GPS unit 160 with electricity, so that the GPSunit 160 can start measuring position (S214). In this case, the main CPU100 does not supply electricity to the recording circuit in order tosave the electricity.

Then, the main CPU 100 outputs the image signal which is picked up bythe CCD sensor 32 to the LCD monitor 170 via the output unit 130, sothat the raw image can be displayed on the LCD monitor 170 (S216).

While the raw image is being displayed on the LCD monitor 170, the mainCPU 100 activates a timer to decide whether ten seconds have passed ornot (S218) and decide whether the release switch 112 is half pressed ornot (S220).

If the timer counts ten seconds at S218, the main CPU 100 stopsoutputting the raw image in order to receive the positional data fromthe GPS unit 160. The main CPU 100 also stops supplying electricity tothe image pickup circuit and the LCD monitor 170 (S224). Thereby, it ispossible to avoid a bad influence on the position measuring of the GPSunit 160. After stopping the supply of electricity to the image pickupcircuit and the LCD monitor 170, the main CPU 100 decides whether theGPS unit 160 has finished measuring the position or not (S226). If theGPS unit 160 has finished measuring the position, the main CPU 100receives the positional data from the GPS unit 160 (S228).

Thereafter, the main CPU 100 supplies electricity to the image pickupcircuit and the LCD monitor 170 so as to display the raw image on theLCD monitor 170 (S230).

As stated above, while the raw image is being displayed on the LCDmonitor 170, the main CPU 100 temporally stops the image pickup circuitand the LCD monitor 170 when every ten seconds pass. Thus, withouthaving a bad influence on the position measuring accuracy of the GPSunit 160, the main CPU 100 can receive the positional data from the GPSunit 160 and renew the positional data.

If the release switch 112 is not half pressed at S220 while the rawimage is being displayed, the main CPU 100 decides whether the camerapower switch 78 is on or not (S222). If the camera power switch 78 isturned off, the main CPU 100 turns off the LCD monitor 170, the imagepickup circuit and the GPS unit 160 (S254–S258) to complete thephotographing. On the other hand, if the camera power switch 78 is on,the process is repeated from S216, so that the raw image can bedisplayed on the LCD monitor 170.

On the other hand, if the release switch 112 is half pressed at S220,the main CPU 100 decides whether the GPS unit 160 has finished measuringthe position or not (S232).

If the GPS unit 160 has not finished measuring the position, the buzzer98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, etc. give such a warning that theGPS unit 160 has not finished measuring the position (S234) and theprocess returns to S222. The image-capturing is prohibited until the GPSunit 160 has finished measuring the position.

On the other hand, if the GPS unit 160 has finished measuring theposition and the positional data has been received, the main CPU 100performs the photometry to obtain a photometry value (S236) and performsthe focusing to obtain a focusing value (S238). Then, the lens of thetaking lens 12 is driven to adjust a focus, etc. in accordance with theobtained focusing value (S240).

Thereafter, the main CPU 100 decides whether the release switch 112 isfully pressed or not (S242). If the release switch 112 is not fullypressed, the process is repeated from S222. The main CPU 100 receivesnew positional data and performs the photometry and focusing to adjustthe focus until the release switch 112 is fully pressed.

On the other hand, if the release switch 112 is fully pressed, the mainCPU 100 retains (freezes) the image signal which is picked up by the CCDsensor 32, and outputs the image signal to the LCD monitor 170 so thatthe frozen image can be displayed on the LCD monitor 170 (S244). Theelectricity is supplied to the recording circuit (S246). The imagesignal of the frozen image is compressed, and the image signal as wellas the positional data received from the GPS unit 160 is recorded on thePC card 150 (S248).

After the picked-up image and the positional data are recorded on the PCcard 150, the main CPU 100 stops supplying the recording circuit withelectricity (S250), and displays the frozen image which is recorded onthe PC card 150 on the LCD monitor 170 for several seconds (S252) sothat the picked-up image can be shown on the LCD monitor 170.

After the picked-up image is displayed on the LCD monitor 170 forseveral seconds, the main CPU 100 returns to S222 and executes the nextphotographing in accordance with the above-mentioned procedure.

As stated above, the flow chart of FIG. 5 shows the procedure of themain CPU 100 when the electronic camera takes a picture (photographingmode). Next, a description will be given of the procedure of the mainCPU 100 when the picked-up image which is recorded on the PC card 150 isregenerated on the LCD monitor 170, etc. (regeneration mode).

While the picked-up image is regenerated on the LCD monitor 170, etc. inthe regeneration mode, the GPS unit 160 does not have to measure theposition. For this reason, the electronic camera does not supply the GPSunit 160 with electricity in order to save electricity of the built-inbattery 140.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the fifth embodiment of theprocedure of the main CPU 100. When the camera power switch 78 is turnedon (S270), the main CPU 100 turns on the GPS power switch 76 to supplythe GPS unit 160 with electricity (S272).

Then, the main CPU 100 decides whether a camera mode changeover switch(not shown) of the SW unit 110 is in the regeneration mode or thephotographing mode (S274).

If the camera mode changeover switch is in the regeneration mode, thereis no necessity to receive the positional data from the GPS unit 160.Thus, the GPS power switch 76 is turned off to stop the GPS unit 160(S276). Then, the main CPU 100 reads the picked-up image which isrecorded on the PC card 150, and outputs the picked-up image from theoutput unit 130 so that the image can be displayed on the LCD monitor170, etc. (S278).

The main CPU 100 decides whether the camera mode changeover switch hasbeen changed over or not, that is, the camera mode changeover switch hasbeen changed over to the photographing mode or not (S280). If the cameramode changeover switch is in the regeneration mode, the process returnsto S278 so that the image regeneration process can be repeated. If thecamera mode changeover switch has been changed over to the photographingmode, the process returns to S272 and the GPS power switch 76 is turnedon again to supply the GPS unit 160 with electricity.

If the main CPU 100 decides that the camera mode changeover switch is inthe photographing mode at S274, it executes the process in thephotographing mode from S282 on. The process in the photographing modemay be executed in the manner shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5, but adescription will now be given of the case where the LCD monitor 170 isnot used as a finder.

First, the main CPU 100 decides whether the GPS unit 160 has finishedacquiring the satellites or not (S282). If the GPS unit 160 has finishedacquiring the satellites, the main CPU 100 receives the positional datafrom the GPS unit 160 (S284).

Then, the main CPU 100 decides whether the release switch 110 is halfpressed or not (S286). If the release switch 110 is not half pressed,S284 is repeated and the main CPU 100 periodically receives thepositional data from the GPS unit 160.

On the other hand, if the release switch 110 is half pressed, the mainCPU 100 decides whether it has finished receiving the positional datafrom the GPS unit 160 (S288). If the main CPU 100 has not finishedreceiving the positional data, the main CPU 100 returns to S284 torepeat the above-mentioned process until it has finished receiving thepositional data.

If the main CPU 100 has finished receiving the positional data at S288,the main CPU 100 supplies the image pickup circuit with electricity(S290). The main CPU 100 performs the photometry to obtain a photometryvalue (S292) and performs the focusing to obtain a focusing value(S294). Then, the taking lens 12 is driven in accordance with theobtained focusing value to adjust a focus, etc. (S296).

Thereafter, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decidewhether the release switch 112 is fully pressed or not (S298).

If the release switch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 suppliesthe recording circuit with electricity to activate it (S300). Then, themain CPU 100 receives the image signal of the picked-up image from theCCD sensor 32, and compresses the image signal. The main CPU 100records, on the PC card 150, the image signal as well as the positionaldata received from the GPS unit 160.

After the picked-up image and the positional data are recorded on the PCcard 150, the main CPU 100 stops supplying electricity to the imagepickup circuit and the recording circuit (S304, S306) to complete thephotographing.

In these embodiments, no explanation was given of the case where thestrobe 124 is used. If the discharge condenser 122 of the strobe unit120 is being charged, noise is generated which may have a bad influenceon the position measuring accuracy of the GPS unit 160. For this reason,while the GPS unit 160 is obtaining the positional data to be recordedon the PC card 150, the main CPU 100 may stop charging the dischargecondenser 122 of the strobe unit 120. In another way, while thedischarge condenser 122 of the strobe unit 120 is being charged, themain CPU 100 does not receive the positional data from the GPS unit 160.

In these embodiments, the electronic camera (the digital camera)digitally records the image signal on the PC card 150, but the presentinvention may also be applied to another electronic camera which usesanother recording method, such as an electronic camera (an electronicstill camera) which analog-records the image signal on a video floppydisk, etc.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the sixth embodiment of theprocedure of the main CPU 100. When the camera power switch 78 is turnedon, the main CPU 100 turns on the GPS power switch 76 to supply the GPSunit 160 with electricity so that the GPS unit 160 can measure theposition (S410). In this case, no electricity is supplied to the imagepickup circuit and the recording circuit so as to prevent the incorrectworkings of the GPS unit 160 and save the electricity.

Then, the main CPU 100 communicates with the GPS unit 160 to decidewhether the position measuring is complete or not (S412). If theposition measuring is complete, the main CPU 100 receives the positionaldata from the GPS unit 160, and records the positional data in memory ofthe CPU 100 (S414).

Next, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 (S416). If therelease switch 112 is half pressed, the main CPU 100 receives thepositional data again from the GPS unit 160 (S418). The GPS unit 160periodically measures the position after the start of the positionmeasuring. When the main CPU 100 receives the positional data, the GPSunit 160 transmits the newest positional data to the main CPU 100.

After receiving the positional data from the GPS unit 160 at S418, themain CPU 100 compares the positional data received at S418 and thepositional data received at S414 so as to decide whether the positionaldata received at S418 has an error or not (S420). If the positional datawhich is received at S418 after the release switch 112 is half pressedhas an error, there is a big difference between the two pieces ofpositional data obtained at the steps S414 and S418 before and after therelease switch 112 is half pressed (S416). Thus, if the difference inthe positional data (e.g. the difference in the position) is under thepermissible level, the positional data received at S418 is determined asbeing normal, and if the difference in the positional data exceeds thepermissible level, the positional data received at S418 is determined asbeing abnormal.

If the positional data received at S418 is determined as having noerror, it is set as the positional data at the photographing position.On the other hand, if the positional data received at S418 is determinedas having an error, the previous positional data, which is recorded inthe memory of the main CPU 100 at S414, is set as the positional data atthe photographing position (S422).

If the photographing is performed at a place such as the shade of abuilding where it is difficult to receive the radio waves from thesatellites and measure the position but it is possible to measure theposition when the camera power switch 78 is turned on, the positionaldata which is obtained when the camera power switch 78 is turned on canbe set as the positional data at the photographing position. Forexample, if the positional data which is received from the GPS unit 160when the release switch 112 is half pressed has an error, the buzzer 98,the warning LED 77, the LCD 92 give a warning to inform the user thatthe place is not suitable for the position measuring. Thereby, the usermoves the electronic camera to a place near the photographing positionand turns on the camera power switch 78 so that the positional data atthat place can be set as the positional data at the photographingposition.

If the GPS unit 160 transmits a signal indicating that it is impossibleto measure the position at S418, the positional data received at S414 isset as the positional data at the photographing position.

After setting the positional data at the photographing position, themain CPU 100 performs the photometry to obtain a photometry value(S424), and performs the focusing to obtain a focusing value (S426).Then, the taking lens 12 is driven in accordance with the obtainedfocusing value to adjust a focus, etc. (S428).

Thereafter, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decidewhether the release switch is fully pressed or not (S430). If therelease switch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 supplieselectricity to the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit toactivate them (S432). Then, the main CPU 100 obtains the image signal ofthe picked-up image by means of the CCD sensor 32, and compresses theimage signal as described previously. The main CPU 100 records, on thePC card 150, the image signal as well as the positional data obtained atthe photographing position (S434).

After the picked-up image and the positional data are recorded on the PCcard 150, the main CPU 100 stops supplying electricity to the imagepickup circuit and the recording circuit (S436), and stops supplyingelectricity to the GPS unit 160 (S438) to complete the photographing.

To continue photographing, the main CPU 100 returns to S414 withoutstopping the supply of electricity to the GPS unit 160 at S436, andrepeats the process from S414 on. In this case, if the positional datareceived at S418 (the positional data which is received when the releaseswitch 112 is half pressed) has an error, the positional data receivedin the previous photographing is set as the positional data obtained atthe photographing position.

The positional data must be correctly received at S414 so that thecorrect positional data can be recorded on the PC card 150. For example,it is possible to sequentially receive two pieces of positional data toconfirm whether the positional data has been correctly received or notin accordance with whether the two pieces of positional data are equalor not. If the positional data has not been correctly received, theposition measuring is repeated until the positional data is correctlyreceived.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the seventh embodiment of theprocedure of the main CPU 100. When the camera power switch 78 is turnedon, the main CPU 100 turns on the GPS power switch 76 to supply the GPSunit 160 with electricity so that the GPS unit 160 can measure theposition (S450). In this case, the main CPU 100 does not supplyelectricity to the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit so asto prevent the incorrect workings of the GPS unit 160 and save theelectricity.

The main CPU 100 communicates with the GPS unit 160 to decide whetherthe position measuring is complete or not (S452). If the positionmeasuring is complete, the main CPU 100 sequentially receives two piecesof positional data from the GPS unit 160 (S454, S456). Then, the mainCPU 100 compares the two pieces of positional data to decide whether thetwo pieces of positional data match (under the permissible level)(S458).

If the two pieces of positional data have been obtained by correctlymeasuring the position, they may match under the permissible level. Ifthey match, it is decided that they have been correctly received, andone of the two pieces of positional data (e.g. the positional datareceived at S456) is set as the positional data at the photographingposition. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined thatthey have not been correctly obtained (the positional data obtained at aplace where it is impossible to measure the position). The decidingprocess is executed at S460 so that the process of receiving thepositional data at the steps S454, S456, S458 and the process ofdeciding whether the two pieces of positional data match or not can berepeated a preset number of times. These processes continue until thepositional data received at the steps S454, S456 match. If thepositional data do not match after the processing is repeated apredetermined number of times at S460, the buzzer 98, the warning LED77, the LCD 92, etc. give such a warning that the GPS unit 160 cannotmeasure the position (S462).

If the GPS unit 160 transmits a signal indicating that it is impossibleto measure the position at the steps S454, S456, the main CPU 100decides the two pieces of positional data as having errors withoutdeciding whether they match or not.

Then, the main CPU 100 decides whether the release switch 112 is halfpressed or not (S464). If the release switch 112 is not half pressed,the main CPU 100 decides whether the time set by the timer has passed ornot (S466). If the time set by the timer has not passed, the main CPU100 repeats S464 and monitors whether the release switch 112 is halfpressed or not. On the other hand, if the time has already passed, themain CPU returns to S454, and executes the process from S454 ofreceiving the positional data.

Thus, if it is impossible for the GPS unit 160 to measure the positionat a photographing place, the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92,etc. give a warning to inform the user that the place is not suitablefor the position measuring.

If the main CPU 100 detects that the release switch 112 is half pressedat S464, the main CPU 100 performs the photometry to obtain a photometryvalue (S468), and performs the focusing to obtain a focusing value(S470). The taking lens 12 is driven in accordance with the obtainedfocusing value to adjust a focus, etc. (S472).

Next, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 (S474). If therelease switch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 supplieselectricity to the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit toactivate them (S476). Then, the main CPU 100 obtains the image signal ofthe picked-up image by means of the CCD sensor 32, and compresses theimage signal. The main CPU 100 records, on the PC card 150, the imagesignal as well as the positional data which is set as the positionaldata at the photographing place (S478).

After the image signal and the positional data are recorded on the PCcard 150, the main CPU 100 stops supplying electricity to the imagepickup circuit and the recording circuit (S480), and stops supplyingelectricity to the GPS unit 160 (S482) to complete the photographing.

To continue photographing, the main CPU 100 repeats S454 of receivingthe positional data without stopping the supply of electricity to theGPS unit 160 at S482.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the eighth embodiment of theprocedure of the main CPU 100 when the photographing is being performedindoors and the AC adapter is used.

When the camera power switch 78 is turned on, the main CPU 100 detectsthe voltage of the AC adapter, and decides whether the AC adapter isused or not (S510). If the built-in battery 140 is used instead of theAC adapter, the main CPU 100 turns on the GPS power switch 76 to supplythe GPS unit 160 with electricity so that the GPS unit 160 can measurethe position (S512). In this case, the main CPU 100 does not supplyelectricity to the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit inorder to prevent the incorrect workings of the GPS unit 160 and save theelectricity. Then, the main CPU 100 communicates with the GPS unit 160to decide whether the position measuring is complete or not (S514). Ifthe position measuring is complete, the main CPU 100 receives thepositional data from the GPS unit 160 (S516). Then, the main CPU 100monitors the release switch 112 (S518). If the release switch 112 ishalf pressed with the position measuring being incomplete, the buzzer98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92 etc. give a warning (this step is notshown).

On the other hand, if it is decided that the AC adapter is used at S510,the photographing is decided as being the indoor photographing and thebuzzer 98, the warning LED 77, the LCD 92, etc. give a warning to informthe user that the GPS unit 160 cannot measure the position (S517). Themain CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 (S518) while the GPS unit160 does not measure the position.

The main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 as stated above (S518).If the release switch 112 is half pressed, the main CPU 100 decideswhether the AC adapter is used or not (S520). If the AC adapter is notused, the main CPU 100 decides whether the GPS unit 160 has finishedmeasuring the position or not (S522). If the GPS unit 160 has notfinished measuring the position, the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77, theLCD 92, etc. give a warning to inform the user that the photographingplace is not suitable for the GPS unit 160 to measure the position (forexample, the photographing is performed at the shade of a building, orindoors without using the AC adapter) (S524).

On the other hand, if it is decided at S520 that the AC adapter is used,or if it is decided at S522 that the position measuring is complete, themain CPU 100 performs the photometry to obtain a photometry value (S526)and the focusing to obtain a focusing value (S528). The taking lens 12is driven in accordance with the obtained focusing value to adjust afocus, etc. (S530).

Then, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 to decide whetherthe release switch 112 is fully pressed or not (S532). If the releaseswitch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 supplies electricity tothe image pickup circuit and the recording circuit to activate them(S534), and obtains the image signal of the picked-up image by means ofthe CCD sensor 32. Then, the main CPU 100 compresses the image signal asstated previously, and records the image signal on the PC card 150(S536). If the AC adapter is not used, the main CPU 100 records, on thePC card 150, the image signal as well as the positional data receivedfrom the GPS unit 160.

After the picked-up image is recorded on the PC card 150, the main CPU100 stops supplying electricity to the image pickup circuit and therecording circuit (S538), and stops supplying the GPS unit 160 withelectricity (S540) to complete the photographing.

To continue photographing, the main CPU 100 repeats the process fromS510 on without stopping the supply of electricity to the GPS unit 160at S540.

As stated above, if the AC adapter is used, the main CPU 100 decidesthat the photographing is performed indoors, and gives such a warningthat the GPS unit 160 cannot measure the position. As shown in FIG. 1,however, the electronic camera may be provided with a color temperaturesensor 180, so that the electronic camera can decide whether thephotographing is performed indoors or not by means of the colortemperature sensor 180.

The color temperature sensor 180 in FIG. 1 measures a color temperaturewhen the release switch 112 is half pressed, and it outputs themeasurement results to the main CPU 100. If the main CPU 100 detects thecolor temperature of a tungsten lamp or a fluorescent lamp, it decidesthat the photographing is performed indoors. Since the tungsten lamp andthe fluorescent lamp are used indoors, the main CPU 100 decides that thephotographing is performed indoors, when the color temperature of one ofthese lamps is detected.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the ninth embodiment of theprocedure of the main CPU 100. In this embodiment, the main CPU 100decides that the photographing is performed indoors in accordance withthe color temperature detected by the color temperature sensor 180.

When the camera power switch 78 is turned on, the main CPU 100 turns onthe GPS power switch 76 to supply the GPS unit 160 with electricity sothat the GPS unit 160 can measure the position (S550). In this case, themain CPU 100 does not supply electricity to the image pickup circuit andthe recording circuit in order to prevent the incorrect workings of theGPS unit 160 and save the electricity.

Then, the main CPU 100 communicates with the GPS unit 160 to decidewhether the position measuring is complete or not (S552). If theposition measuring is complete, the main CPU 100 monitors whether therelease switch 112 is half pressed or not (S554).

If the main CPU 100 detects that the release switch 112 is half pressed,it detects the color temperature by means of the color temperaturesensor 180 (S556). The main CPU 100 performs the photometry to obtain aphotometry value (S558), and performs the focusing to obtain a focusingvalue (S560).

Then, the main CPU 100 decides whether the photographing is performedindoors or not in accordance with the color temperature detected at S556(S562). In other words, the main CPU 100 decides whether the colortemperature sensor 180 has detected the color temperature of thetungsten lamp or the fluorescent lamp. If the main CPU 100 decides thatthe photographing is not performed indoors because the color temperaturesensor 180 has not detected the color temperature of the tungsten lampand the fluorescent lamp, the main CPU 100 decides whether the positionmeasuring of the GPS unit 160 is complete or not (S564). If the positionmeasuring is complete, the main CPU 100 receives the positional datafrom the GPS unit 160 (S566). On the other hand, if the colortemperature sensor 180 detects the color temperature of the tungstenlamp or the fluorescent lamp and the main CPU 100 decides that thephotographing is performed indoors, the buzzer 98, the warning LED 77,the LCD 92, etc. warns the user that the GPS unit 160 cannot measure theposition (S567). Then, the main CPU 100 goes on to S568 withoutreceiving the positional data from the GPS unit 160.

At S568, the main CPU 100 drives the taking lens 12 in accordance withthe focusing value obtained at S560 to thereby adjust a focus, etc.(S568).

Next, the main CPU 100 monitors the release switch 112 (S570). If therelease switch 112 is fully pressed, the main CPU 100 supplieselectricity to the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit toactivate them (S572). The main CPU 100 obtains the image signal of thepicked-up image by means of the CCD sensor 32, and compresses the imagesignal. Then, the main CPU 100 records the image signal on the PC card150 (S574). If the main CPU 100 decides that the photographing is notperformed indoors at S562, it records, on the PC card 150, the imagesignal as well as the positional data received from the GPS unit 160(S574).

After recording the image signal, the main CPU 100 stops supplyingelectricity to the image pickup circuit and the recording circuit(S576), and stops supplying electricity to the GPS unit 160 (S578) tocomplete the photographing.

To continue photographing, the main CPU 100 repeats the processing fromS554 of monitoring whether the release switch 112 is half pressed ornot, without stopping the supply of electricity to the GPS unit 160 atS578.

In these embodiments, whether the photographing is performed indoors ornot is decided by detecting voltage of the AC adapter or using the colortemperature sensor. It may also be decided by both the detecting voltageof the AC adapter and using the color temperature sensor. For example,if it is decided by either one of them that the photographing isperformed indoors, the GPS unit 160 does not measure the position andthe user is warned that the GPS unit 160 cannot measure the position.

In these embodiments, if the main CPU 100 decides that the photographingis performed indoors, it does not record the positional data on the PCcard 150. The present invention, however, should not be restricted tothis. For example, the positional data received in the previousphotographing, etc. may be recorded in a non-volatile memory. In thiscase, if the main CPU 100 decides that the photographing is performedindoors, the positional data received in the previous photographing,which is recorded in the non-volatile memory, can be recorded on the PCcard 150.

The present invention is applied to the electronic camera in theseembodiments, but the present invention may also be applied to a camerathat uses advanced photographic film coated with a magnetic recordinglayer which records a variety of information, and the positional data ofthe GPS is recorded on the film.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the second embodiment of thecamera according to the present invention. The camera of FIG. 11 has aGPS unit 252 and an inner printer 254, and it records, on a memory card236, an image signal obtained by an image pickup means as well aspositional data obtained by the GPS unit 252. The camera outputs, to theinner printer 254, the image signal obtained by the image pickup meansor the image signal read from the memory card 236 so that the innerprinter 254 can print an image.

A main CPU 230 detects that a release switch 250 is pressed, andtransmits a command to a camera CPU 222. The camera CPU 222 controls thefocusing, photometry and exposure, and forms image light of a subject ona light receiving surface of the CCD 212 by means of an optical unit210. The CCD 212 converts the image light, which is formed on the lightreceiving surface, into signal electric charge in accordance with thequantity of light. The signal electric charge is sequentially read as avoltage signal (an image signal) in accordance with a clock pulse from aclock generating circuit 224. The image signal from the CCD 212 issupplied to an analog processing circuit 214, which performs the whitebalance adjustment, the gamma correction, etc. The image signal, whichis processed in the analog processing circuit 214, is converted into adigital signal by an A/D converter 216, and then the image signal isstored in a buffer memory 218.

The camera CPU 222 activates a strobe control circuit 226 when thesubject is dark. The strobe control circuit 226 controls the charge in amain condenser (not illustrated), and controls the discharge (lightemission) to a xenon tube 228 in synchronism with the manipulation ofthe release switch 250 when the subject is dark. The strobe controlcircuit 226 controls a period of time for accumulating the electriccharge in the CCD 212 (a shutter speed) via the clock generating circuit224. The clock generating circuit 224 outputs a clock pulse, whichdrives the CCD 212, the analog processing circuit 214 and the AIDconverter 216, and the clock generating circuit 224 synchronizes thecircuits.

A YC processing circuit 220 converts the image signal in the buffermemory 218 into a YC signal (a luminance signal Y and a chroma signal C)in response to a command from the main CPU 230, and it stores the YCsignal in the buffer memory 218. Then, the main CPU 230 transmits acommand to a compression/expansion circuit 232, which compresses the YCsignal in the buffer memory 218 and records the compressed image data onthe memory card 236 via a card interface 234.

A serial receiving terminal of the main CPU 230 connects to an outputterminal of the GPS unit 252. The main CPU 230 receives the positionaldata obtained by the GPS unit 252 in serial communication, and itrecords the positional data on the memory card 236 in accordance withthe compressed image data.

A description will hereunder be given of printing. The main CPU 230detects that a print switch of an operation key 248 is pressed, andinstructs a printing/continuous photographing CPU 244 to start printing.Then, the printing/continuous photographing CPU 244 occupies a memorybus 221, and it controls the compression/expansion circuit 232 so thatthe compressed image data stored in the memory card 236 can be read bythe card interface 234. The compressed image data is expanded to the YCsignal by the compression/expansion circuit 232 and is stored in thebuffer memory 218.

The printing/continuous photographing CPU 244 converts the YC signal,which is stored in the buffer memory 218, into the RGB data and storesthe RGB data in a continuous photographing/printing memory 242. Then,the printing/continuous photographing CPU 244 outputs the stored RGBdata to the inner printer 254 or an external printer 256 via the printerinterface 246 so that the image can be printed. In this case, theprinting/continuous photographing CPU 244 controls the inner printer 254or the external printer 256. If the positional data as well as the imagedata is recorded on the memory card 236, the printing/continuousphotographing CPU 244 prints the positional data on the inner printer254 or the external printer 256.

Reference numeral 238 is an LCD which displays frame numbers, etc., and240 is a battery. The operation key 248 includes a mode selection switchwhich selects a simultaneous printing mode for printing a picked-upimage at the same time as the photographing.

A description will be given of the processing of the main CPU 230.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the first embodiment of thecontrolling procedure of the main CPU 230. When the power switch of thecamera is turned on, the main CPU 230 turns on the GPS power switch tosupply the GPS unit 252 with electricity. The main CPU 230 decideswhether the GPS unit 252 has finished acquiring the satellites inaccordance with a signal transmitted from the GPS unit 252 (S610). Inthis case, if the GPS unit 252 has finished acquiring the satellites,the main CPU 230 decides whether a flag indicating that the printing isbeing performed is set or not (S612). If the flag is not set (theprinting is not being performed), the main CPU 230 receives thepositional data from the GPS unit 252 (S614) and goes on to S616. On theother hand, if the GPS unit 252 has not finished acquiring thesatellites at S610, or if the flag is set at S612, the main CPU 230 goeson to S616 without receiving the positional data. It takes one or twominutes for the GPS unit 652 to finish acquiring the satellites andreceive the positional data after the GPS power switch is turned on.

The main CPU 230 decides whether a key has been entered or not at S616.If the key has been entered, the main CPU 230 decides whether the printswitch is pressed or not (S618). If the print switch is pressed, themain CPU 230 makes the inner printer 254 or the external printer 256start printing the image (S620), and sets the flag indicating that theprinting is being performed (S622). On the other hand, if a switch otherthan a print switch is entered (a switch such as a release switch 250, amode setting switch and a calendar setting switch is entered), the mainCPU 230 decides whether the flag indicating that the printing is beingperformed is set or not (S624). If the flag is not set, the main CPU 230executes the process according to the switch entry and goes on to S628(S626). If the flag is set, the main CPU 230 goes on to S628 withoutexecuting the process according to the switch entry. If no key has beenentered at S616, the main CPU 230 goes on to S628.

At S628, the main CPU 230 decides whether the printing is complete ornot. If the printing is incomplete, the main CPU 230 returns to S610,and if the printing is complete, the main CPU 230 clears the flag (S630)and returns to S610.

During printing on the inner printer 254 or the external printer 256,the positional data is prohibited from being received from the GPS unit252 and the process according to the entry of a switch such as therelease switch 250 is prohibited. Thus, a radio disturbance or the likein the GPS unit during printing would not have any influence onprinting.

In this embodiment, the image-capturing is prohibited during printing onthe printer, but the present invention should not be restricted to this.If a shutter switch is manipulated while the printer is printing theimage, the image signal obtained by the image pickup means may berecorded on the memory card 236, and the positional data, which isreceived from the GPS unit 252 before or after printing, may be recordedon the memory card 236.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the second embodiment of thecontrol procedure of the main CPU 230. When the power switch of thecamera is turned on, the main CPU 230 decides whether a key has beenentered or not (S650). If a key has been entered, the main CPU 230decides whether the print switch is pressed or not (S652). When theprint switch is pressed, the inner printer 254 or the external printer256 starts printing the image (S654), and sets the flag indicating thatthe printing is being performed (S656). On the other hand, if a switchother than the print switch is pressed, the main CPU 230 decides whetherthe release switch 250 is pressed or not (S658). If the release switch250 is pressed, the main CPU 230 decides whether the flag is set or not(S660). If the flag is not set, the main CPU 230 executes the recordingprocess in accordance with the manipulation of the release switch 250(S662).

The recording process is shown in FIG. 14. The main CPU 230 decideswhether the GPS unit 252 has finished acquiring the satellites or not(S664). If the GPS unit 252 has finished acquiring the satellites, themain CPU 230 receives the positional data from the GPS unit 252 (S666),and records, on the memory card 236, the positional data as well as theimage data obtained in accordance with the manipulation of the releaseswitch 250 (S668).

On the other hand, the GPS unit 252 has not finished acquiring thesatellites at S664, the main CPU 230 records, on the memory card 236,the image data obtained in accordance with the manipulation of therelease switch 250 (S670), and waits for the GPS unit 252 to finishacquiring the satellites (S672). When the GPS unit 252 finishesacquiring the satellites, the main CPU 230 receives the positional datafrom the GPS unit 252 (S674), and appends the positional data to thememory card 236 (S676).

If the main CPU 230 decides that the flag indicating that the printingis being performed is set at S660 in FIG. 13, the main CPU 230 stopsprinting the image on the printer (S678). The printing is stopped aftera line in the process of printing has been printed.

While the printing stops, the main CPU 230 executes the recordingprocess in accordance with the manipulation of the release switch 250(S680). The recording process at S680 is the same as the process shownin FIG. 14. After the recording process at S680, the printing is resumed(S682) and the main CPU 230 goes on to S686. If the release switch 250is not pressed at S658, the main CPU 230 executes the process inaccordance with the entry of another switch (S684), and goes on to S686.Further, if no key has been entered at S650, the main CPU 230 goes on toS686.

At S686, the main CPU 230 decides whether the printing is complete ornot. If the printing is incomplete, the main CPU 230 returns to S650. Ifthe printing is complete, the main CPU 230 clears the flag indicatingthat the printing is being performed (S688), and returns to S650.

If the image is being printed on the inner printer 254 or the externalprinter 256 when the release switch 250 is pressed, the main CPU 230stops printing, and receives the positional data from the GPS unit 252during this period. Thereby, a radio disturbance in the GPS unit wouldhave no bad influence on printing.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the third embodiment of the controlprocedure of the main CPU 230. In this embodiment, a simultaneousprinting mode is selected so that a picked-up image can be printed atthe same time as the image-capturing.

When the power switch is turned on in the simultaneous printing mode,the main CPU 230 turns on the GPS power switch to supply the GPS unit252 with electricity, and decides whether the GPS unit 252 has finishedacquiring the satellites or not (S700). If the GPS unit 252 has finishedacquiring the satellites, the main CPU 230 receives the positional datafrom the GPS unit 252 (S702) and goes on to S704. On the other hand, ifthe GPS unit 252 has not finished acquiring the satellites at S700, themain CPU 230 goes on to S704 without receiving the positional data.

At S704, the main CPU 230 decides whether the release switch 250 ispressed or not. If the release switch 250 is not pressed, the main CPU230 returns to S700 and repeats the above-mentioned process until therelease switch 250 is pressed.

When the release switch 250 is pressed, the main CPU 230 decides whetherthe positional data has already been received or not (S706). If thepositional data has already been received, the main CPU 230 records, onthe memory card 236, the positional data obtained in accordance with themanipulation of the release switch 250 (S708). Then, the image isprinted on the printer in accordance with the obtained image data(S710). The printer prints the positional data as well as the image.

On the other hand, if the positional data has not been received at S706,the main CPU 230 records, on the memory card 236, the image dataobtained in accordance with the manipulation of the release switch 250(S712). Then, the image is printed on the printer in accordance with theobtained image data (S714). After printing, the main CPU 230 waits forthe GPS unit 252 acquiring the satellites. When the GPS unit finishesacquiring the satellites, the main CPU 230 receives the positional datafrom the GPS unit 252 (S718), appends the positional data to the memorycard 236 (S720) and prints the positional data (S722).

In the simultaneous printing mode, if the positional data has alreadybeen received when the release switch 250 is pressed, the main CPU 230records and prints the image data and the positional data. On the otherhand, if the positional data has not been received yet, the main CPU 230records the image data and prints the image. After printing, the mainCPU 230 receives the positional data and appends the positional data.

As set forth hereinabove, according to the present invention, while theGPS unit is measuring the position to obtain the positional data to berecorded as the one indicating the photographing place, a means whichwill be a noise source while the GPS unit is measuring the position suchas the image pickup means for obtaining the image signal, the recordingmeans for recording the image signal and the positional data on therecording medium, the strobe unit, and the image display is stopped.Thereby, it is possible to avoid a bad influence on the positionmeasuring accuracy of the GPS unit. While the GPS unit is measuring theposition to obtain the positional data to be recorded as the one at thephotographing position, the means as the noise source is stopped tothereby save electricity of the power source battery.

Moreover, according to the present invention, if the positional dataindicating the photographing place, which is received from the GPS unitduring photographing, has an error, the reserve positional data which isreceived from the GPS unit before photographing is recorded on therecording medium as the positional data indicating the photographingplace. For this reason, the photographing place as well as the picked-upimage can be correctly recorded under the permissible level, if thephotographing is being performed at a place such as the shade of abuilding where it is impossible for the GPS unit to measure theposition. If the positional data about the photographing place, which isreceived from the GPS unit during photographing, has an error, the useris warned that the GPS unit cannot measure the photographing place.Thus, the user can be urged to move to a place which is more suitablefor measuring the position.

Moreover, according to the present invention, if it is detected that thepower is supplied from the AC adapter which is mainly used indoors, orif the color temperature sensor detects the color temperature of thetungsten lamp, the fluorescent lamp, etc. which are mainly used indoors,the signal is output to warn that the GPS cannot measure the positionbecause the photographing is being performed indoors. The signal warnsthe user that the positional data cannot be recorded on the recordingmedium. Moreover, if the GPS unit is prohibited from measuring theposition when the signal is output, it is possible to prevent theunnecessary workings of the GPS unit. If the positional data obtainedduring the previous photographing is recorded on the recording medium asthe positional data for the present photographing, the positional dataabout a place close to the photographing position can be recorded on therecording medium when the photographing is performed indoors where it isimpossible for the GPS unit to measure the position.

Furthermore, in the camera which is able to record, on the recordingmedium, the picked-up image and the positional data which is obtained bythe GPS unit during photographing, and is able to print the image, thecamera prohibits the positional data from being received from the GPSunit while the printer is printing the image. For this reason, a radiodisturbance, which occurs in the GPS unit while the printer is printingthe image, would not have a bad influence on the position measuringaccuracy of the GPS unit. In other words, when the positional data isreceived from the GPS unit, the printer stops so that the accuratepositional data can be received from the GPS unit.

It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limitthe invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, alternate constructions andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed in the appended claims.

1. A camera comprising: an image pickup forming image light representinga subject on a light receiving surface of an image pickup element, andconverting the image light into an image signal; a GPS unit which isbuilt in the camera and to which electricity is supplied from a commonbattery with the camera; a measurement data receiver receivingmeasurement data obtained by said GPS unit; a recorder recording themeasurement data received by said measurement data receiver and theimage signal obtained by said image pickup on a recording medium; and acontroller stopping elements of the camera from generating noise thatinterferes with said GPS unit while said GPS unit is obtaining themeasurement data to be recorded, the elements generating the noisecomprising at least one of said image pickup and said recorder.
 2. Thecamera as defined in claim 1, wherein said measurement date receiverreceives the measurement data to be recorded from said GPS unit beforephotographing.
 3. The camera as defined in claim 2, wherein saidmeasurement data receiver repeatedly receives the measurement data fromsaid GPS unit at a predetermined cycle to thereby renew the measurementdata.
 4. The camera as defined in claim 1, wherein said measurement datareceiver receives the measurement data to be recorded from said GPS unitafter photographing.
 5. The camera as defined in claim 1, wherein theimage pickup, the measurement data receiver, the recorder, and thecontroller are built in the camera.
 6. A camera comprising: an imagepickup forming image light representing a subject on a light receivingsurface of an image pickup element, and converting the image light intoan image signal; a GPS unit which is built in the camera and to whichelectricity is supplied from a common battery with the camera; ameasurement data receiver receiving measurement data obtained by saidGPS unit; a recorder recording the measurement data received by saidmeasurement data receiver and the image signal obtained by said imagepickup on a recording medium; a controller stopping elements on thecamera from generating noise that interferes with said GPS unit whilesaid GPS unit is obtaining the measurement data to be recorded; and astrobe unit for emitting strobe light, said controller stopping saidstrobe unit from generating noise that interferes with said OPS unit,while said GPS unit is obtaining the measurement data to be recorded. 7.The camera as defined in claim 6, wherein the image pickup, themeasurement data receiver, the recorder, the controller, and the strobeunit are built in the camera.
 8. A camera comprising: an image pickupforming image light representing a subject on a light receiving surfaceof an image pickup element, and converting the image light into an imagesignal; an output sequentially outputting the image signal obtained bysaid image pickup to an image display which is connected to the cameraor which is built in the camera, said image display functioning as afinder; a GPS unit which is built in the camera and to which electricityis supplied from a common battery with the camera; a measurement datareceiver receiving measurement data obtained by said GPS unit; arecorder recording the measurement data received by said measurementdata receiver and the image signal obtained by said image pickup on arecording medium; and a controller stopping said image display fromgenerating noise that interferes with said GPS unit, while said GPS unitis obtaining the measurement data to be recorded.
 9. The camera asdefined in claim 8, wherein the image pickup, the output, themeasurement data receiver, the recorder, and the controller are built inthe camera.
 10. A camera comprising: an image pickup forming image lightrepresenting a subject on a light receiving surface of an image pickupelement, and converting the image light into an image signal; ameasurement data receiver receiving measurement data obtained by a GPSunit which is connected to the camera or which is built in the camera; arecorder recording the measurement data received by said measurementdata receiver and the image signal obtained by said image pickup on arecording medium; an image regenerator reading the image signal recordedon the recording medium and outputting the image signal to an imagedisplay which is connected to the camera or which is built in thecamera, to thereby display an image represented by the image signal; amode switch switching between a photographing mode in which said imagepickup and said recorder are activated, and a regeneration mode in whichsaid image regenerator is activated; and a controller stopping said GPSunit when said regeneration mode is selected by said mode switch so asto inhibit electricity consumption.
 11. The camera as defined in claim10, wherein the image pickup, the measurement data receiver, therecorder, the image regenerator, the mode switch, and the controller arebuilt in the camera.
 12. A camera for optically or electricallyrecording an image representing a subject on a recording medium when ashutter is released, the camera comprising: a measurement data receiverreceiving measurement data obtained by a GPS unit which is connected tothe camera or which is built in the camera; a decision unit decidingwhether the measurement data, received by said measurement datareceiver, has an error or not; a recorder recording the measurement dataon the recording medium when said decision unit decides that themeasurement data does not have an error; and a warning element warningthat said GPS unit cannot obtain measurement data, when said decisionunit decides that the measurement data has an error, wherein saiddecision unit decides that the measurement data has an error when themeasurement data transmitted by said GPS unit indicates that said GPSunit cannot obtain measurement data.
 13. The camera as defined in claim12, wherein the measurement data includes a first piece and a secondpiece, said decision unit decides that the measurement data does nothave an error, when the difference between the first and second piecesof measurement data sequentially received by said measurement datareceiver is not greater than a predetermined threshold level.
 14. Thecamera as defined in claim 12, wherein the measurement data receiver,the decision unit, the recorder, and the warning element are built inthe camera.
 15. A camera comprising: an image pickup forming image lightrepresenting a subject on a light receiving surface of an image pickupelement, and converting the image light into an image signal; ameasurement data receiver receiving measurement data obtained by a GPSunit which is connected to the camera or which is built in the camera; arecorder recording the measurement data received by said measurementdata receiver and the image signal obtained by said image pickup on arecording medium; a printer which is built in the camera and to whichelectricity is supplied from a common battery with the camera; an imagesignal output outputting one of the image obtained by said image pickupand an image signal read from the recording medium to said printer tothereby control said printer to print an image represented by one of theimage signals; and a controller prohibiting said measurement datareceiver from receiving measurement data from said GPS unit, while theimage is being printed by said printer.
 16. The camera as defined inclaim 15, wherein said controller prohibits photographing resulting frommanipulation of a shutter switch, while the image is being printed bysaid printer.
 17. The camera as defined in claim 15, wherein saidrecorder records the image signal obtained by said image pickup on therecording medium, when a shutter switch is manipulated while the imageis being printed by said printer, and records the measurement datareceived by said measurement data receiver on the recording mediumbefore or after printing by said printer.
 18. The camera as defined inclaim 15, wherein said controller controls said printer to stopprinting, when a shutter switch is manipulated while the image is beingprinted by said printer, and controls said printer to resume printingafter said measurement data receiver receives measurement data from saidGPS unit.
 19. The camera as defined in claim 15, wherein said imagesignal output also controls said printer to print the measurement dataabout the image to be printed.
 20. The camera as defined in claim 15,wherein the image pickup, the measurement data receiver, the recorder,the image signal output, and the controller are built in the camera. 21.A camera comprising: an image pickup forming image light representing asubject on a light receiving surface of an image pickup element, andconverting the image light into an image signal; a GPS unit which isbuilt in the camera and to which electricity is supplied from a commonbattery with the camera; a measurement data receiver receiving firstmeasurement data obtained by said GPS unit; a recorder recording thefirst measurement data received by said measurement data receiver andthe image signal obtained by said image pickup on a recording medium; aprinter which is built in the camera and to which electricity issupplied from a common batter with the camera; an image signal outputoutputting the image signal recorded by said recorder to said printer tothereby control said printer to print the image represented by the imagedata, when a shutter switch is manipulated; and a controller controllingsaid measurement data receiver to receive second measurement data andcontrolling said recorder to record the second measurement data afterthe image is printed by said printer, if said measurement data receiverhas not received the first measurement data when said recorder recordsthe image signal.
 22. The camera as defined in claim 21, wherein theimage pickup, the measurement data receiver, the recorder, the imagesignal output, and the controller are built in the camera.